Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has asserted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) could not target Russian regions with missiles without U.S. assistance.
Needed Help Targeting
Lavrov highlighted Washington's role in these attacks during an interview with TASS.
"For any technically literate person who understands military affairs, it is clear that without the direct involvement of the United States in targeting, these missiles would not fly anywhere," the diplomat stated.
He explained that the ATACMS missiles provided to Kyiv by Washington require satellite data, which the U.S. supplies to Ukraine.
Promised Retaliation
Lavrov also reiterated that Moscow would respond to the shelling of Russian regions with Western-supplied weapons.
He reminded that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously promised to retaliate against attacks using American weaponry. This escalation underscores the broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, with NATO and EU countries increasing sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, while Russia seeks to consolidate its territorial gains and undermine Ukrainian resistance.
Lavrov's comments come amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022 when Russia launched a large-scale invasion.
The conflict has led to significant destruction and loss of life, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Western nations, including the United States, have provided substantial military and economic support to Ukraine.
This support has included advanced weaponry, training, and intelligence sharing, which have been crucial in Ukraine's defense efforts.
